After six years, Colin Kloot is putting down his clipboard and putting his runners back on, stepping away from the Dinosaur Half Marathon committee.

Kloot and a cadre of running enthusiasts had a vision of bringing a road race to the valley, and they did just that.  They statted with a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K family run. In its fifth anniversary, it added a full marathon. It has cemented itself on the Alberta race schedule as a destination run.

At the Annual wrap-up party for organizers and volunteers, Kloot stepped down off the committee. Race chair and fellow organizer Jens Madsen presented Kloot with a parting gift.

“I really do appreciate this,” said Kloot. “I didn’t expect this kind of accolade. It has been a great six years.” 

In those six years, the race has contributed $85,000 to the Badlands Community Facility. But more importantly, it has made a healthy impact on Drumheller.

“We have also, I believe, made a mark in regard to health and wellness in the valley which is the main objective. It is not just the money, but it was to create an awareness of running, health, wellness and fitness. 

 He said this is evident in the number of people he sees walking, jogging and running.

He is comfortable that he has left the race in good hands, but they could always use more volunteers.

“It is amazing what this small committee creates on race day,” he said. “Next year I hope to be running in the races and hereon into the sunset.”

Another prestigious award was presented a the wrap up night last Wednesday at O’Shea’s, the top water station on the course, an award guarded by Chinook Credit Union. There was a new kid in the winner’s circle as Dinosaur RV Park won. 

The community of Drumheller is showing support for one of its own after he was struck by cancer at just 19.
    On October 6, Brandon Hall, son of Crystal Hall (Rolf) and Michael Hall, came home to the valley to visit his family for thanksgiving.  He wasn’t feeling well during his visit, and on Thursday, his mom took him to the family doctor. The physician palpated a large mass and he was sent immediately for a CT scan.
    They discovered he has testicular cancer, a 24-centimeter mass in his abdomen and lesions in his lungs.
    His medical journey has just begun. Doctors sent him to Red Deer for further investigations, but while enroute, they were ordered to instead head to Calgary.
    By Friday morning, he was in surgery and had one of the masses they discovered removed. They were not able to remove the larger mass.  
    Currently they are awaiting the result of a biopsy to get an idea of the stage of the cancer. His chemotherapy was scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
    Brandon completed his junior high and part of his high school education in the valley.
    To support his fight with cancer and help his family his aunt Sara Rolf has set up a Gofundme page. It has the goal of raising $10,000 to support him and his family as they battle cancer. In less than a day, they have raised more than $1,500.
    To support his journey go to www.gofundme.com and search “Brandon Hall’s fight against Cancer. or click here